Novel Dual Porosity Simulation Workflow and Solutions for the 3D Fracture Modeling

Abstract

Abstract Naturally fractured reservoirs represent more than 50% of reservoirs and contribute in a large extent to the worldwide production of oil and gas (more than 60% of the world's proven oil reserves and 40% of the world's gas reserves). These reservoirs exhibit significant heterogeneity, featuring intricate networks of multiple fracture families with varying spatial distribution and conductivity. Conducting and performing reservoir studies on these naturally fractured systems are challenging tasks because they present an extreme property contrast between the two domains it comprises: rock matrix and fractures. The process of 3D fracture modeling involves multiple disciplines and steps within reservoir characterization and simulation. Its core objective is to build on geological concepts and collect data, including interpreting beds, faults, and fractures from image log data, using field outcrop studies as conceptual analogs, and utilizing seismic attributes as fracture drivers. Given the complexity of these heterogeneous systems and the involvement of various disciplines, workflow and solutions reference for the fracture modeling can uniquely guide teams, enhance knowledge, and improve work efficiency. Hence, the value for this paper comes in the absence of handed reach educational reference. In this work, an integrated sequential workflow for 3D fracture modeling is presented. This workflow identifies the necessary data and its analysis that needed in building the model. It begins with creating the fracture intensity to construct a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and then generates upscale fracture properties based on the DFN model to develop the dual porosity simulation model. This paper provides a detailed practical workflow reference for the fracture modeling for every researcher. In addition, the study was aiming to enhance knowledge and work efficiency to increase the integration and dependencies awareness between different disciplines.